On his last full day in the White House, President Obama is saying "thank you" to the American people and, of course, "Yes, we can."

It is tradition for the sitting president to leave a parting letter for the incoming commander-in-chief, which Obama will be doing for Donald Trump, who will be sworn-in Friday. But Obama sent a final message to the White House email list, as well.

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The 44th president touched on the attributes of the people from which he's drawn strength and notables events, such as the economic crisis that was a focus of the start of his presidency and times of grief.

"You made me a better President, and you made me a better man," Obama wrote.

"I've seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I've seen our future unfolding."

He urged Americans, regardless of their political affiliation, to throw themselves into working to improve that future and promised to be "with you every step of the way."

"The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word 'We,'" he wrote. "'We the People.' 'We shall overcome.'"

Wrapping up the letter, he used the familiar slogan that became a rallying cry for 2009.